Field Station Director/Research program leader
Thursday, June 30, 2011 06:42 AM

Assistant Research Program Leader in Waterbird and Wetland Ecology and Field Station Director with an emphasis on ecology and management of waterfowl, waterbirds, or wetlands.

Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, http://www.inhs.illinois.edu

Location: Forbes Biological Station / Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center, Havana, Illinois. www.bellrose.org.

Job Description: The INHS seeks an outstanding scientist to lead an established and nationally recognized research program at the Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center. The candidate will join the Survey’s well respected wildlife and large-river ecology programs, and will be responsible for planning, developing, and conducting research on waterfowl. Candidates who also have expertise in wading bird/shorebird or wetland/riverine ecology with applications to conservation, habitat restoration, and management issues are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must maintain a strong record of peer-reviewed publications in nationally-recognized scientific journals; develop grant proposals (especially for Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and State Wildlife Grant Programs) and attract funding; supervise staff; participate in outreach programs to the public and relevant stakeholders; be willing to work with state and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and universities; be able to serve on professional committees; and review manuscripts, proposals, and plans. The successful candidate will be encouraged to serve as adjunct faculty and mentor graduate students within the University of Illinois and/or other regional universities.

The Forbes Biological Station / Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center is located along the Illinois River on Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Research infrastructure and equipment available at the field station include boats, trucks, all terrain vehicles, tractors, and a fully functional laboratory. Excellent collaborative opportunities exist with nearby field stations and offices operated by the Illinois Natural History Survey, The Nature Conservancy, University of Illinois Springfield, Western Illinois University, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NWRs, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

 

Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in wildlife biology, ecology, or related field with experience in conducting scientific investigations and have a proven history of attracting grant or private funding. Preference will be given to candidates who show ability to expand the field station’s current research program to include wading bird/shore bird ecology, wetlands, or related areas. Experience with agro-ecosystems and farm policy would be

beneficial. Research approaches that can be applied to large rivers, habitat restoration projects, and conservation and management issues in Illinois and the Midwest are preferred. The successful candidate must possess a record of publication in peer-reviewed, nationally recognized, scientific journals; demonstrate abilities to plan, attract funding, and conduct scientific investigations; and have the ability to communicate verbally and interact well with the public, professionals, and staff. An interest and ability to interact with land managers, stakeholders, and the public is desirable.

 

Salary and Benefits: $65,000 to $70,000/year commensurate with experience; 12 month, state funded, academic professional position; generous vacation and sick leave; State Universities Retirement System; health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.

 

To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 25, 2011. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload cover letter, CV, statement of research experience and interest, and contact information for three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, 217-333-6897, [email protected]

Technical questions should be referred to Aaron Yetter, [email protected]; or Greg Sass, [email protected].

Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).